In the context of evolving U.S. immigration policies, the EB-5 program remains the safest and fastest path to obtaining green cards for the entire family. To successfully prepare an application, investors must clearly understand two key factors: the minimum investment amount and the available visa quotas. Below are the latest updates as of the second quarter of 2026.
Mục lục
Currently, under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA), investment levels remain stable across two primary tiers:
• $800,000: Applicable to projects located in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA), which include rural areas or regions with high unemployment, as well as government infrastructure projects.
• $1,050,000: Applicable to projects located outside of TEA zones (developed urban areas).
⇒ Important warning: The RIA mandate requires that investment levels be automatically adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) every five years. The next adjustment milestone is expected in early 2027. Therefore, the period from now until the end of 2026 is the "golden window" for investors to lock in the $800,000 capital level before prices potentially rise to an estimated $900,000 - $950,000.
One of the most significant highlights today is the reserved visas mechanism, which accounts for 32% of the total annual EB-5 visa quota. This mechanism helps investors avoid long "waiting lines":
• 20% for rural projects: This group receives the highest priority. For the Vietnamese market, this category is currently in a "current" status, meaning visas are available for issuance immediately after the petition is approved.
• 10% for high unemployment areas: Ideal for investors who prefer urban real estate projects.
• 2% for infrastructure projects.
Choosing a rural project not only secures a visa slot but also ensures that the I-526E petition receives priority processing by USCIS, shortening the wait time from several years to just 6 to 12 months.
According to the latest Visa Bulletin, Vietnam continues to maintain a "current" status for all EB-5 investment categories (including both unreserved and reserved categories). This is an extremely positive signal because:
√ Investors do not face a backlog of applications.
√ It allows for concurrent filing if the investor is already in the U.S., enabling them to receive an employment authorization document and advance parole within just a few months.
A notable update is that the I-526E filing fee is currently around $4,675 (including a $3,675 base fee and a $1,000 integrity fee). This rate is being applied following temporary court rulings that suspended a major government fee hike. However, investors should complete their procedures early, as administrative fee increase proposals could be approved at any time during the second half of 2026.
2026 is a pivotal year for the EB-5 program. With the $800,000 investment level and visa quotas in their most favorable state for Vietnam, any delay could lead to risks of capital increases or falling into a future visa backlog. Investors should prioritize rural projects to optimize the speed of receiving green cards for their entire family.
EMMAUS VILLAGE
Address: 31831 Rochen Road Waller, Texas
Mr. Alexander Schemmel – Project Manager
Hotline: +1(910) 9679332
Email: alex.schemmalt@gmail.com
Mr. Khai – Vietnam Customer Support
Hotline: 0945255525
Email: john.emmausvillage@gmail.com
Website: emmausvillage.net